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Somatic Therapy

A body-centered approach that helps people heal trauma, stress, and emotional pain by reconnecting with physical sensations and restoring balance to the nervous system.

Somatic Therapy focuses on the connection between mind and body, helping individuals release stress and trauma stored in the body through awareness, movement, and mindfulness techniques. It encourages healing by tuning into physical sensations to restore balance and emotional well-being.

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Quick Overview

Best for

Trauma, PTSD, chronic stress, anxiety, depression, dissociation, chronic pain, mind-body disconnection

Duration

Varies · Short-term (8–12 sessions) or long-term for complex trauma

Session format

 Individual, Couples, or Group · In person or Virtual (with adaptations)

Typical cadence

 Weekly · Session length: 50–75 minutes

Often combined with

 EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, yoga therapy

Evidence base

Well established in trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, and integrative mental health

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic Therapy is based on the idea that trauma and stress are not just mental experiences they also live in the body. When the nervous system gets stuck in fight, flight, or freeze, people may feel physical tension, chronic pain, or emotional overwhelm.

Forms of Somatic Therapy

Different Approaches to Body-Based Healing

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Focuses on gently releasing trauma energy trapped in the body

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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Helps clients track bodily sensations while processing trauma memories

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Hakomi Therapy

Hakomi Therapy

Uses gentle, body-focused experiments to uncover unconscious patterns

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 Bioenergetic Analysis

 Bioenergetic Analysis

Uses physical exercises, breathing, and posture to release blocked emotions

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 Somatic Parts Work

 Somatic Parts Work

Integrates IFS or inner child work with somatic practices

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Movement Therapy

Movement Therapy

Often practiced in groups for connection and expression

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Somatic Yoga & Mindfulness

Somatic Yoga & Mindfulness

Incorporates gentle yoga, breathwork, or meditation

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Touch- or Body-Oriented Somatic Therapy

Touch- or Body-Oriented Somatic Therapy

Used with consent and clinical boundaries, often for deep trauma release

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How Somatic Therapy Helps in Recovery

Healing the Mind and Body Connection for Lasting Recovery

Somatic Therapy

Heals trauma at the body level

Releases stress stored in the nervous system.

Reduces anxiety & depression

Calms fight-or-flight activation.

Improves emotional regulation

Clients learn to track and manage sensations.

Supports addiction recovery

 Addresses physical urges and triggers in the body.

Builds resilience

Strengthens mind-body connection for lasting healing.

Who Benefits from Somatic Therapy?

Supporting a Wide Range of Individuals on Their Healing Journey

Survivors of trauma or PTSD

Survivors of trauma or PTSD

Somatic therapy helps trauma survivors reconnect with their bodies, safely release stored tension, and reduce symptoms of hyperarousal or emotional numbness.

Individuals with chronic stress

Individuals with chronic stress

By calming the nervous system and increasing body awareness, somatic therapy restores balance and resilience, easing the physical and emotional effects of stress.

People with depression or dissociation

People with depression or dissociation

This approach supports reconnection with the body and emotions, helping individuals feel more present, grounded, and engaged in daily life.

Those living with chronic pain or illness

Those living with chronic pain or illness

Somatic therapy can reduce pain intensity by addressing the mind-body link, promoting relaxation, and improving the body’s natural healing responses.

What to Expect in Sessions

Somatic Therapy sessions are gentle and collaborative. Practices may include:

Body scans

Tracking sensations like tightness, warmth, or tingling.

Grounding techniques

Breathing, posture shifts, or movement to calm the body.

Somatic dialogue

 Exploring how emotions show up physically.

Release exercises

Gentle shaking, stretching, or movement to release tension,

Integration

Applying new regulation skills in daily life.

Somatic Session

Why TruPaths Highlights Somatic Therapy

Emphasizing Whole-Person Healing for Deeper Recovery

TruPaths highlights Somatic Therapy because healing often requires more than talking. Trauma lives in the body, and somatic methods provide a safe, compassionate way to release it and restore balance.

FAQs about Somatic Therapy

Yes. Research supports somatic approaches, especially Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, for trauma recovery.
No, touch is always optional—many sessions focus only on body awareness and movement.
No, somatic therapy works gently with body sensations without requiring you to retell your trauma.
It depends on your therapist’s credentials and your insurance plan—check with your provider.
Yes, it can help release tension and reduce pain by improving body awareness and stress regulation.

Find Recovery Options Offering Somatic Therapy

Healing is embodied. Somatic Therapy helps individuals release trauma, calm the nervous system, and reconnect with their bodies in safe, compassionate ways.

About TruPath's Recommendations

Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.